Stroke charity in dial 999 plea
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CONCERNS are mounting that people across the UK who have a stroke or TIA/mini-stroke (transient ischemic attack) are not calling 999 amid the coronavirus pandemic.
With stroke striking every five minutes, the Stroke Association fears that thousands of people could be at risk of severe disability, or even stroke-related death, if they do not Act FAST on stroke symptoms.
Professor Martin Dennis, Stroke Physician and Chair of the National Advisory Committee for Stroke, said: “We are seeing some quite striking reductions in the number of people coming into hospital with the signs of stroke.
"We are not fully sure why this is the case but it is really important people seek emergency help when they suspect a stroke. The reduction could be because people are worried about catching the virus in hospital or that they do not want to be a burden on the NHS.
“Stroke is a medical emergency and it’s essential that you call 999 straight away if you suspect you or someone around you is having a stroke. Some of the most effective treatments in stroke work best in the first few hours after a stroke. It’s possible that a patient’s treatment or journey might be a bit different due to the measures in place to deal with coronavirus safely.
"But these are to keep patients and NHS workers safe at this time. Our hospitals remain equipped and ready to treat stroke patients.
Latest figures from Public Health Scotland report attendance to emergency departments has dropped by over half on the same week last year.
In 2018, there were almost 15,000 strokes in Scotland alone. The charity warns that any delay in getting help will jeopardise the ability to rebuild lives after stroke.
Andrea Cail, Director Scotland of the Stroke Association, said: “The fear of contracting the virus or feeling like a burden on the NHS might be a reason putting people off seeking treatment.
"But I am reassured that the NHS in Scotland is well equipped to treat stroke. The best thing for you and the NHS, is to call 999 and say you (or the person in front of you) is having a stroke. Assume stroke until told otherwise.
“Equally concerning are people who experience mini-stroke and then dismiss it as ‘just a funny-turn’. A mini-stroke is a warning that major stroke is on its way, so you shouldn’t ignore the signs; and you need to seek help.
The UK’s leading stroke charity is highlighting the world-famous stroke acronym, FAST, urging the public to familiarise themselves with the signs and symptoms of a stroke: Face, Arms, Speech and Time (to call an ambulance) – Act FAST. The signs of a TIA/mini-stroke are the same as a stroke, but only last up to 24 hours.
Professor Rustam Al-Shahi Salman, University of Edinburgh and President of the British Association of Stroke Physicians (BASP) said: “Strokes and mini-strokes are medical emergencies. The quicker many stroke treatments are given, the better.
"As we say, “time is brain.” So it’s important to recognise the signs of a mini-stroke or stroke and act immediately. In this phase of social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic, family and friends can do the FAST test on the phone or via video chat.
"Many stroke services have also adapted to the pandemic rapidly: rather than calling patients with mini-stroke up to a hospital outpatient appointment, they are using phone or video chat to diagnose and recommend treatment for patients.”
